The children: Preschoolers with a variety of conditions who can’t sit independently.

The challenge: Without a parent supporting them, children with weak or stiff muscles can’t sit to play with toys on the floor or do activities at a table – important tasks in early development.

The solution: Bloorview scientist Steve Ryan and his research team designed Flip2Sit, a booster seat with a high back, thigh straps and leg contouring. One side provides a seat for table activities. The other supports a child’s play on the floor.

Parent feedback: “With Flip2Sit, Karissa (above in photo) can sit up and play by herself or with her sister Breanna, which makes her feel more independent,” says her mom Andrea Schindhelm. “The product is light and portable so I can take it to the park, to a restaurant or to a relative’s house.”

For more information, visit ottobock.ca.